Laurence Simons: Senior Legal Counsel - Inter IKEA, the Netherlands

Senior Legal Counsel – Franchising

Are you an experienced lawyer with excellent knowledge of licensing, IP and general commercial contract law? And are you a down to earth, humble, team player who feels most at home in an international environment? Please consider applying for the role of Senior Legal Counsel – Franchising at Inter IKEA and be part of an exciting journey to expand their legal department and make “IKEA” better together.

Inter IKEA Systems B.V. (a company within the Inter IKEA Group), is the owner of the IKEA Concept and worldwide IKEA franchisor. It is active in the development and franchising of the IKEA retail system for the sale of IKEA products by IKEA retailers from IKEA stores and other sales channels.

During the next 6 months, it is intended that the Inter IKEA Systems Group will expand substantially by acquiring various companies active within the areas of product range development, production, and supply. The new Inter IKEA Systems Group will comprise over 70 companies in 30 different countries and it will have around 25,000 co-workers.

Further to the above, the legal department at Inter IKEA Systems B.V. in Delft, the Netherlands, will expand to support the IKEA franchise business (including the development of the IKEA Concept and the expansion of IKEA worldwide).

On behalf of Inter IKEA Systems B.V., we are currently seeking to hire a senior legal counsel reporting to the Manager Legal Affairs to join their growing team.

What will your main tasks be?

Your primary role will be to support (and work closely with) the business unit IKEA Markets) in advising on matters relating to franchising of the IKEA retail system and expansion of the IKEA concept worldwide. The role will e.g. involve:

• Drafting and negotiating a wide range of agreements with the IKEA franchisees worldwide (e.g. market study, market development, franchise agreements and multichannel set-ups)


• Leading pre- and post-contractual disclosure/franchisor registration projects;


• Advising the business on a variety of legal issues incl. franchising, distribution, competition law, tax, IP, corporate governance etc.


• Managing external law firms world-wide


• Providing training and guidance to the business, as required.

The role may also involve managerial responsibilities. In addition, it is expected that the chosen applicant will work cross function within the legal department, supporting colleagues when needed. This may include supporting colleagues with primary responsibility for IP, IT, IKEA product supply and distribution, commercial contracts and corporate law. As Inter IKEA Systems B.V. is in the process of building a legal department, additional responsibilities may arise. This is a full time (40 hours) position and frequent travel may be required.

Skills, capabilities and motivation:

• Completed degree in law, with excellent results


• 7+ years of post-qualification experience, preferably with a multinational corporation or leading law firm


• Excellent knowledge of licensing, IP and general commercial contract law


• Knowledge of franchising and retail business would be a great advantage


• Strong negotiation and contract drafting skills


• Excellent communication skills with the ability to inspire and clarify


• Fluent in English (written and spoken)


• Team player and ability to work closely with the business and build strong relationships


• Enthusiastic self-starter who can work independently, interdependently and who assumes responsibility


• Confidence to deal with difficult situations with stakeholders from different levels


• High level of integrity


• Solution- and business minded


• Ability to coach and develop others, specifically in your area of expertise, preferably with managerial experience


• Committed to the IKEA vision and values and an interest in home furnishings

Your next challenge?

Inter IKEA Systems Group offers an exciting work environment in a global marketplace with exceptional opportunities to grow and develop together with us.

Interested?

For more information and a confidential conversation, please call Inez Diepenbach on +31 (0)20 520 6875 or email Inez.diepenbach@laurencesimons.com, or Marlous Donders on +31 (0)20 520 7424 or email Marlous.donders@laurencesimons.com. Ref IND/798740